Kobe Bryant's retired, taking with him a weight of expectation that was unappealing to some potential co-stars. Luke Walton, the hottest name in NBA coaching circles, has agreed to join the Lakers bench. D'Angelo Russell looks like a star in the making as long as he can stop hitting the record button on his phone, and the team has about a 55 percent chance of keeping its 2016 first-round pick.
This summer will in all likelihood begin shaping the next era of Lakers basketball. They're once again expected to make a major push for top free agents, and history shows the franchise will at least get its foot in the door. Kevin Durant probably isn't making the L.A. leap, but the Lakers have to be considered major contenders for every other top guy on the market (save LeBron James).
It even seems like after years of boisterous optimism, Lakers fans have settled into a state of realism. They're not screaming about an impending championship or even pretending Kobe was a superstar-caliber player last season anymore. Winning 65 games in a three-year span can do that to a fanbase.
But with things looking up, let's take a look at some of the Lakers buzz going around the league at the moment.
DeRozan Eying a Return Home?
The Lakers' clearest path to a top free agent appears to be Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan. He was born in Compton, California, played his college ball at USC and rumors of a marriage have been floating around all season, going back to a January report from ESPN.com's Zach Lowe.
At age 26, he fits in with the Lakers' youth-laden roster and would give them a primary scoring option at Bryant's now-vacant wing spot. DeRozan also had a career year in 2015-16, averaging 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists while making his second All-Star team. Plus, Stephen A. Sm...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
